Animal advocates rally for justice as Central New York resident is charged with animal cruelty for allegedly abandoning dog in Rome apartment

ROME- Community members are demanding justice amidst an animal cruelty investigation in the Mohawk Valley, where it appears a dog was left behind.

It was late in the afternoon on Friday, September 29 when Rome City Police responded to a complaint in the 759 block of North Jay Street. Investigation revealed the previous tenant had abandoned the apartment, leaving a dog, named Lola, behind.

She was found deceased.

According to Rome Police officials, the case was immediately turned over to the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for investigation.

According to the latest updates from WKTV, Taylor Uvanni (no age provided) is faced with a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty.

She was issued with an appearance ticket, which is returnable to Rome City Court at a later date.

Authorities say a necropsy will help officially determine a cause of death.

Just recently, a crowd of community members, carrying posters and chanting “Justice for Lola,” rallied outside of Rome City Court.

Generic handcuffs image.